new beginnings therapy and coaching
Compassionate Therapy for Trauma, Life Transitions & Adoption Related Challenges
Ben Okri“The most authentic thing about us is our capacity to create, to overcome, to endure, to transform…….and to be greater than our suffering.”
welcome
Welcome, and thank you for visiting my website.
My goal is to offer a safe space where I can support you in your goals for seeking therapy. I offer
individual, couples and family therapy. My work is focused on meeting the goals you choose
for yourself while promoting your self-determination in the process.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of
California (License Number 152823).
Prior to my graduate studies, I worked with individuals and families fleeing war and violence. This profound experience deepened my compassion to others and strengthened my commitment to providing empathetic, culturally responsive support. It also ignited in me a lasting passion for continuous learning and meaningful connection in the helping profession.
I earned my Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University. My clinical training was completed across multiple private practices and a community mental health agency. I also served as a school-based therapist in various middle and high schools throughout the San Jose area.
As an immigrant and a parent, I bring a rich and multifaceted perspective to my clinical work. Outside of my practice, I actively volunteer with several nonprofit organizations. I consider myself a lifelong learner and remain deeply committed to integrating my clinical training, professional experience, and personal journey to better understand the human experience and serve my clients with greater empathy and effectiveness.
Areas of Expertise
Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders (including PTSD, Acute Stress Disorder, and related conditions) – I often integrate elements from several modalities in an individualized, client-paced way, always prioritizing safety, cultural sensitivity, and client’s readiness.
Adoption (Domestic and International)- I tailor treatment to each individual or family’s unique story, cultural background, and stage of the adoption/foster journey. Whether you are an adoptee, foster youth, adoptive/foster parent, or birth parent, therapy provides a safe space to process complex emotions and build stronger, healthier connections.
Relationship Distress- I tailor treatment to your specific situation, always prioritizing safety, respect, and collaboration. Whether you are seeking to repair a struggling relationship or strengthen a good one, therapy can help foster better communication, emotional safety, and deeper connection.
Professional Burnout and Vicarious Trauma- I tailor treatment to your specific role, workload, and personal circumstances. The goal is not just symptom relief, but sustainable recovery, renewed purpose, and stronger professional boundaries so you can continue meaningful work without sacrificing your own well-being.
Credentials
Springfield College, M.A., Human Services Administration
Santa Clara University, M.A., Counseling Psychology
Certified Trauma Professional
Professional Life Coach
professional membership and affiliation
Adjunct Lecturer, Santa Clara University, School of Counseling Psychology
Board Member, Mercy Beyond Borders
Member, Bay Area Asylum Mental Health Project
Member, California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
approach
I integrate elements from various approaches, and I draw from multiple therapeutic theories and techniques to fit the specific needs, preferences, and circumstances of the individual client.
Safety and Trust
Safety and Trust
At the heart of my therapeutic approach is the belief that safety and trust come first. I am committed to creating a warm, non-judgmental space where you feel emotionally and culturally secure. Therapy with me is always client-led — you set the pace. I carefully attune to your window of tolerance, ensuring the work remains manageable and never overwhelming.
My role is to walk alongside you with patience and respect, honoring your resilience as healing unfolds at your own rhythm. I genuinely care about your comfort and well-being, and I’m here to support you gently, without pressure or judgment. Together, we’ll create a space where you can explore, heal, and grow in a way that feels right for you.
Compassion and Respect
Compassion and deep respect for each client’s resilience are central to every session. I honor your cultural background, identity, immigration experiences, and personal history, creating a space where you feel truly seen, respected, and never judged. Rather than focusing only on your struggles, I actively recognize and celebrate your strength and courage.
This culturally attuned approach fosters a collaborative partnership grounded in dignity and empowerment. I am committed to walking alongside you with patience and genuine care, honoring the unique journey that has brought you here and supporting the meaningful growth you wish to achieve.
Integration of Approaches
I work from an eclectic and integrative approach, flexibly combining elements from multiple evidence-based modalities rather than adhering to a single framework.
This allows me to tailor therapy to your unique needs, cultural background, and personal circumstances. Whether we draw from Cognitive Processing Therapy, somatic experiencing, attachment work, or other approaches, each session is guided by what feels most helpful for you in the moment.
My goal is to create a personalized path to healing that honors both clinical best practices and your individual experience
fees
Contact me for a free 15-minute consultation and we can discuss if we would be a good fit to work together.
Individual sessions
50-min
$200
An approach that involves one-on-one sessions with the goal of addressing the patient’s specific mental health concerns, such as
those outlined in the DSM-5 (e.g., depression, anxiety disorders, trauma-related disorders), through tailored interventions.
Collateral sessions
50-min
$225
An approach that involves sessions between the clinician and individuals closely related to the patient (e.g., family members,
caregivers, or significant others). These sessions are typically conducted separately from the patient’s individual therapy sessions to gather information, provide support or coordinate care.
Coaching sessions
50-min
$100
Coaching sessions, in the context of mental health and personal development, are structured interactions between a coach or clinician and a client - aimed at enhancing personal or professional growth, goal achievement, or skill development. Coaching sessions target non-clinical goals, such as improving performance, decision-making, or life satisfaction.
Sliding Scale Fees
I offer a sliding-scale fee based on financial need. If I cannot accommodate a sliding scale, I will provide referrals to low-fee providers. I am not paneled with insurance, but I can supply a superbill for out-of-network reimbursement. We can discuss payment options during our free initial consultation.
Good Faith Estimate
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost. Under the law, health care providers, like ourselves, need to give patients who do not have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services.
You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services. You can ask us for a Good Faith Estimate before scheduling.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.
contact
Contact me to learn more about my services and how I can help you achieve your goals. Please fill out the form below and I will get back to you shortly.